Erie County poverty committee meets to begin work

Submitted

Wed, Oct 7th 2015 03:00 pm

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz (seated at right of table) joins members of the poverty committee as the group came together for its inaugural meeting. The volunteer, seven-member committee will advise Erie County government on measures to reduce poverty and its causes.

Poloncarz, committee volunteers bring ideas to table as committee
convenes for first meeting

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined Tuesday by members
of the recently formed poverty committee as the group came together for its
inaugural meeting as it begins its mission of identifying ways to reduce
poverty in Erie County. Poloncarz called for the establishment of the committee
earlier this year as part of his health and human services plan, "Initiatives for a Stronger Community."

"This committee has tremendously important work before them, and I was
pleased to be able to join them this morning as we explore ways to address the
issue of poverty in Erie County. The committee brings wide and varied
experience to the table and has a wealth of insight to add to our
conversations, which will bear fruit as our work progresses," Poloncarz said. "Working together as a
community, we can confront poverty where it exists and build a better Erie
County for all."

The poverty committee will advise Erie County government on measures to
reduce poverty and its causes, including access to employment opportunities,
high cost of safe and secure housing, substance abuse, mental illness,
discrimination and disability.